African Americans mark anniversary of Million Man March

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan
called on African Americans across the nation Thursday to
observe a "Day of Atonement" on the second anniversary
of the Million Man March.

Appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America," Farrakhan urged
black Americans to stay home from work and school to pray and
fast in a show of solidarity to celebrate "our coming back to
God."

He said more than 100 cities planned to host events
commemorating the 1995 march, and he predicted that the day
would eventually become a major religious event in the United
States.

"It will become a major holy day among not only our people,
but I believe the American people as well," said Farrakhan,
who organized the original event, a peaceful march on Washington
by hundreds of thousands of black men.

Since then, he said, black Americans have become energized.

"There's a new spirit among our people, and that experience
of two years ago definitely was a transforming experience for
most of those men," he said.

In Washington, Mayor Marion Barry has made the day official
by suggesting that black city employees take a vacation day.
Barry said it will be a chance for them to reaffirm their
commitment to God and family.